First-Year Seminars 110LV - The Lives of Animals

Are crows self-aware? How do bees vote during collective decision-making? Do dolphins know each other's names? We will engage our collective curiosity as we explore animal cognition and social behaviors. Using peer-reviewed scientific literature as the foundation for our investigations, we will draw inspiration from videos, blogs, and observations of local wild and domestic animals to develop individual and collective projects based on our interests. In this first-year seminar, we will practice library research skills, draft and revise work based on feedback, and learn strategies for respectful peer engagement while creating a course website about animals.

Mount Holyoke first-year students only, by placement.